Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hydrogen- and nitrogen containing gas mixture, where a mixture of steam and a carbon containing gas is fed to the retentate side of at least one hydrogen transport membrane syngas and sweep gas generator where said gas and steam are converted to synthesis gas. A part of the hydrogen in said synthesis gas is transported through the membrane to the permeate side in said generator where it reacts with oxygen in an air stream fed to said permeate side to generate heat and a nitrogen and steam containing gas.

Abstract: A composition formed from Group II fluorides in which the composition has little or no intrinsic birefringence at a selected wavelength. The composition is a mixed solid solution of CaF2 with a second crystal of SrF2 or BaF2. The resulting composition is in the form of Ca1?xSrxF2 or Ca1?xBaxF2, or a combination of SrF2 and BaF2, in the form of Ca1?x?ySrxBayF2. The specific form of the composition that effectively nulls out the intrinsic birefringence at a selected wavelength within the UV range is determined in one preferred method from the magnitudes of the intrinsic birefringences of the components, CaF2, SrF2, and BaF2.

Abstract: A process for producing ceramic bearing components in which a material mixture is produced from an organometallic compound as a preceramic precursor and from silicon in element form or in the form of an alloy as a chemically reactive filler. The material mixture is subjected to reaction pyrolysis for conversion into a ceramic material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for making a porous calcium phosphate article including i) preparing a shaped article from a paste containing a calcium phosphate cement, a pore-forming powder and a setting liquid; ii) immersing the shaped article in an immersing liquid for a period of time so that the pore-forming powder is dissolved in the immersing liquid, creating pores in said shaped article; and iii) removing the resulting porous shaped article from the immersing liquid, wherein the resulting porous shaped article has an improved compressive strength. The porous shaped calcium phosphate article of the present invention may be used as a tissue-engineered scaffold, medical implant or a reinforcing constituent of a composite.

Abstract: A process for making co-extruded profiles includes forming a plurality of web-interconnected profiles, which travel together through a die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ceramic brake disks from a green body consisting of a sheet molding compound (SMC) having reinforcing fibers, and the ensuing pyrolysis and melt infiltration. The aim of the invention is to create a single-element green body comprising very complex inner cavities after pyrolysis. In order to achieve this, the method comprises the following steps: the green body (1) is produced from a sandwich consisting of SMC (2), a thermoplastic insert (4), and SMC (2) in one working step in a tool (5a, 5b), subjected to pressure and temperature; and the insert (4) fills the green body (1) over its entire surface and comprises openings (6) which are arranged in such a way that the upper and lower SMC layers (2) are interconnected, at least in parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of aerospace composite laminates 10 is provided, including a non-contaminating outer layer 24 and an insulated base 12. The present invention further includes a constant temperature heating element 22 positioned between the non-contaminating outer layer 24 and the insulated base 12. A battery pack 32 is positioned within the insulated base 12 to power the constant temperature heating element 22. The present invention can further include an ergonomic element 34 mounted to the insulated base 12 to facilitate handling of the apparatus 10 for the application of aerospace composite laminates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding balloon catheters is disclosed. The balloon may be molded by providing a polymeric tube within a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of the desired balloon. Microwave energy, which may be generated by a gyrotron, may then be directed toward the mold, to heat the polymeric material without heating the mold. Once heated, pressurized fluid may be injected into the tube to blow the polymeric material against the interior cavity whereupon the material can cool to form the balloon or can be further heatset by additional microwave energy and be cooled to form the balloon. In accordance with one embodiment, microwave energy can also be used without a mold to form a medical device. A polymer extrusion apparatus is disclosed utilizing a microwave energy for heating polymer feedstock material within the extruder tip and die unit just prior to formation of the extrudate product.

Abstract: A dense polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride body is produced. According the method of production, aluminum oxide (alumina) powder and 26 to 40 mole % aluminum nitride powder is mixed to form a very fine powder mixture. The powder mixture is shaped and hot pressed at a moderate temperature, preferably about 1600° C., which is below the temperature of aluminum oxynitride (AlON) formation to produce a dense intermediate body. The dense intermediate body is reacted to produce a highly dense polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride body. The dense body is particularly useful for ballistic armor.

Abstract: A sintered cemented carbide body (e.g., a cutting tool) and a method of making the same. The sintered cemented carbide body includes tungsten carbide, a binder phase of at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and one or more solid solution phases. Each one of the solid solution phases has at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of a combination of zirconium, niobium, and tungsten. The method includes the steps of providing a powder mixture that contains tungsten carbide, a binder metal powder comprising at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of both zirconium and niobium including a powder of the carbides or carbonitrides of zirconium and niobium, forming a green compact of said powder mixture, and vacuum sintering or sinter-HIP said green compact at a temperature of from 1400 to 1560° C.

Abstract: A method and device for sequencing at least a fragment of a linear polymer. The device comprises a well for placement of a rotaxane comprising the combination of a cyclic molecule and a linear polymer threaded through said cyclic molecule; a probe having the ability to move the linear polymer relative to the cyclic molecule while producing a signal resulting from the interaction of the cyclic molecule and a unit attached to the polymer; and means for reading said signal. The process comprises formation of the rotaxane, attachment of the probe, movement of the cyclic molecule relative to the linear polymer and the reading of signals. The device and method are especially useful for the sequencing of DNA.

Abstract: A sensor device and method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid solution are disclosed. The sensor device system can comprise a substrate and an array of free-standing nanowires attached to the substrate. The array can include individual free-standing nanowires wherein each of the individual free-standing nanowires have a first end and a second end. The first end can, in some embodiments, be attached to the substrate and the second end unattached to the substrate. Such individual free-standing nanowires are configured for electrical communication with other individual free-standing nanowires through the first end. A signal measurement apparatus can be electrically coupled to the array of free-standing nanowires for receiving electrical information from the array of free-standing nanowires.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking up liquid analytes having a microtitre plate with a plurality of wells and a plurality of pipettes, as well as a pump, which is coupled to several pipettes in such a way that an analytes can be simultaneously sucked out of several wells or introduced into several wells by actuating the pump.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted exhaust gas purifying system includes at least a first three-way catalyst and a plurality of HC adsorbing/purifying catalysts downstream thereof on an exhaust gas passage. Each of the HC adsorbing/purifying catalysts includes a monolithic carrier having a plurality of cells, and includes HC adsorbent layer and purifying catalyst layer, which are formed on the monolithic carrier. Moreover, the number of cells per unit areas of one HC adsorbing/purifying catalysts on an upstream side is larger than the number of cells per unit areas of another HC adsorbing/purifying catalyst on a downstream side.

Abstract: A canning structure comprises a ceramic honeycomb structure before carrying a catalyst, fixed beforehand within a metal case by a holding material. An impermeable layer is provided on at least one edge plane in the longitudinal direction of the holding material. Thus, the holding material does not carry expensive catalyst at the time of carrying catalyst, and accordingly chipping and cracking of the ceramic honeycomb structure can be prevented at the time of transporting, the catalyst carrying process, the canning process, and handling in each of the processes.

Abstract: A plasma reactor (11) of the silent discharge or dielectric barrier type for treatment of a gaseous medium is provided with a layer of material (34) positioned to present a surface extending along at least part of the length of the gas flow path. Particulates or selected species are entrapped on the surface. A preferred electrode arrangement provides surface discharge in the plasma at the surface of the layer of material.

Abstract: An apparatus subjects water to waves from an RF plasma. This allows continuous production of “activated water” characterized by cluster sizes below about 4 molecules per cluster, substantially bacteria free water and controlled pH. The basic frequency of the plasma is preferably between 0.44 MHz and 40.68 MHz, and the plasma is preferably modulated at a frequency between 10 kHz and 35 kHz. Flow rates typically range from 20 l/hr to about 2000 l/hr. Activated water can be used for many purposes, including antimicrobial treatment of drinking water, antimicrobial cleaning of worktables, floors, walls, knives, and other surfaces, for example, in meat processing facilities and hospitals.

Abstract: A method for decomposing a gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound more simply is provided. The method includes the steps of mixing the gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound and a chlorine gas-containing gas and emitting light to a mixture gas of the gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound and the chlorine gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support structure for a catalyst disposed within an outer containment. Several unique arrangements and connections of supporting struts that form the structure provide a number of significant advantages and improvements. The support structure provides a very low disturbance of gas flow while maintaining a high amount of contact support with catalyst foils. In addition to a high tolerance of thermal gradients and fewer stress concentrations, strong support in radial and axial directions is also provided.

Abstract: A production process for an oxide magnetic material comprising the steps of blending raw material powder so as to take the composition of a hexagonal ferrite including: at least one kind of an element A selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca; Co and Cu; Fe; and O; and sintering said blended powder at a temperature lower than 1000° C.

Abstract: An emission control system for reducing NOx in the exhaust of a diesel engine. A partial oxidation system receives diesel fuel from the engine's fuel tank and partially oxidizes the diesel fuel into hydrogen. The hydrogen is then introduced into the main exhaust line and the hydrogen-enhanced exhaust is delivered to a hydrogen selective catalytic reduction unit, which uses the hydrogen to convert the NOx to nitrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid cosmetic composition comprising a sebum-absorbing calcium silicate. These cosmetic compositions provide effective, long-lasting facial cosmetic coverage that is highly resistant to the sebum-caused deterioration that results in the discoloration and fading typically experienced by conventional cosmetic compositions after a sustained period of use. The cosmetic composition may be in the form of a créme, lotion, gel, semi-solid, dispersion, suspension, foam, mousse or spray.

Abstract: A membrane for hydrogen recovery from streams containing hydrogen sulfide is provided. The membrane comprises a substrate, a hydrogen permeable first membrane layer deposited on the substrate, and a second membrane layer deposited on the first layer. The second layer contains sulfides of transition metals and positioned on the on a feed side of the hydrogen sulfide stream. The present invention also includes a method for the direct decomposition of hydrogen sulfide to hydrogen and sulfur.

Abstract: A stable protein formulation containing tryptophan or a tryptophan derivative or a salt thereof as a stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising a surfactant that is an alkyl-polyglycoside of formula I, wherein DP is the average degree of polymerisation and has a value of from 1 to 4, and R is an alkyl chain or a mixture of alkyl chains having a chain length of from 6 to 22 carbon atoms; or a derivative thereof for the administration of a medicament for inhalation.

Abstract: A class of UVA- and UVB-absorbing esters has been derived by modifying hydroxy triglycerides and other acyltriglycerides with any of a variety of cinnamic acids. The esterification reactions are preferably conducted at elevated temperatures without a catalyst. The resultant agents have the advantage of being synthesized from natural materials, while providing a value-added use for the oil. They are readily formulated into standard UV-absorbing daily-wear cosmetic, hair and skin care, and sunscreen formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed are personal care or cosmetic compositions comprising a dicarboxy functionalized polyorganosiloxane and methods for the cleaning or the treatment of hair or skin and for enhancing delivery of active agents to hair or skin with the compositions. Said personal care or cosmetic compositions can be formulated in a wide variety of types of products for the skin and/or hair (or, more generally, keratin) such as mousses, gels (in particular hair dressing gels), conditioners, hair dressing formulations or to aid comb-through of hair, rinsing formulae, hand and body lotions, skin moisturizing products, skin cleansing or disinfecting compositions, shower gels, toilet milks, cream foundations, make-up removal compositions, sun and ultraviolet radiation protection lotions, creams or gels, skin care creams, anti-age preparations, anti-acne preparations, local analgesics, mascaras, deodorants, antiperspirants, lipsticks and other compositions of the same type.

Abstract: This invention provides aqueous shampoo compositions comprising, in addition to water, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and emulsified cationic particles of silicone.

Abstract: A treatment solution used to prevent posterior capsular opacification is applied or introduced into the lens capsular bag before, during, or after cataract surgery. The treatment solution comprises an ion transport mechanism interference agent, which either alone or in combination with other treatment agents such as an osmotic stress agent and an agent to establish a suitable pH, selectively induces detachment and/or death of lens epithelial cells such that posterior capsular opacification is prevented. While the ion transport mechanism interference agent is capable of interfering with the cellular mechanisms and cell ion distribution of a broad range of cells, a concentration of agent is selected such that the treatment solution interferes selectively with the cellular mechanisms of lens epithelial cells while leaving other ocular cells substantially unharmed.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer comprises a cationic recurring unit and a crosslinking unit, wherein the crosslinking unit comprises at least a first degradable unit (preferably acid-labile) and at least a second degradable unit (preferably hydrolyzable). A carrier composition comprising the synthetic polymer and a bioactive agent is useful for the delivery of the bioactive agent into the nuclei of the cells.

Abstract: Methods for treating proliferative disorders, by administering reovirus to a ral-mediated proliferative disorder, are disclosed. The reovirus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts target cancer cells. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. Human reovirus, non-human mammalian reovirus, and/or avian reovirus can be used. If the reovirus is human reovirus, serotype 1 (e.g., strain Lang), serotype 2 (e.g., strain Jones), serotype 3 (e.g., strain Dearing or strain Abney), other serotypes or strains of reovirus, and recombinant reovirus can be used. Combinations of more than one type and/or strain of reovirus can be used, as can reovirus from different species of animal. Either solid neoplasms or hematopoietic neoplasms can be treated.

Abstract: The invention describes versican activation and modulation of hair growth, e.g., versican expressing dermal papilla cells exhibit hair induction ability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of antibodies or binding portions thereof, probes, ligands, or other biological agents which either recognize an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen or bind to and are internalized with prostate specific membrane antigen. These biological agents can be labeled and used for detection of cancerous tissues, particularly cancerous tissues proximate to or containing vascular endothelial cells, which express an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen. The labeled biological agents can also be used to detect normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. They also can be used alone or bound to a substance effective to ablate or kill such cells as a therapy for prostate or other cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-alpha-V subunit antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-alpha-V subunit antibody, alpha-V subunit, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and subunit vaccines for dental caries are described which comprise peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B and peptide subunits of glucan binding protein-B in combination with peptide subunits of glucosyltransferase. Methods of provoking an immune response to S. mutans glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase. Methods of immunizing a mammal against dental caries are also described, along with antibodies which bind particular epitopes of glucan binding protein-B or glucosyltransferase.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: DNA and protein constructs useful in producing vaccines against human cytomegalovirus contain optionally N-end modified and N-terminal ubiquitinated human cytomegalovirus antigenic proteins, including pp65, pp150, IE1, gB and antigenic fragments thereof. Vaccine viruses, in particular poxviruses such as vaccinia and Modified Vaccinia Ankara, that express the constructs may be used as vaccines to augment the immune response to human cytomegalovirus, both prophylatically and in patients already carrying human cytomegalovirus, as well as to create and expand cytomegalovirus-reactive T cells for transfer of adoptive immunity.

Abstract: Provided are Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) variants for binding immunoglobulin (Ig), comprising a polypeptide which varies by one or more amino acids from the amino acid sequence of a natural variable heavy chain III (“VH3”) Ig-Fab binding region (“binding region”) of SpA, wherein the polypeptide exhibits a different binding specificity for Ig-Fab than does SpA or exhibits a different binding specificity for a non-Ig target molecule than does SpA. Further provided are methods of making the variants and methods of using the variants for in purification of Ig as well as diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shelf-life extending pesticide formulation, and methods of making and methods of use. The present invention prolongs the shelf-life many fold. In addition, methods of controlling insects on cattle are also provided.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implantable capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic engine that swells on contact with water, thereby causing the release of the beneficial agent over time. The osmotic delivery system has a membrane material that allows a controlled amount of fluid to enter from an exterior of the capsule, while preventing the compositions within the capsule from passing out of the capsule. The osmotic delivery system is designed to meet at least the operating pressures of 1000 psi. The membrane material is cast, calendered or extruded followed by machining (i.e., die-cutting, stamping or otherwise cutting to shape) to provide a uniform nonribbed membrane material. The capsule also includes a membrane material-retaining means that is positioned at a fluid uptake end to retain the membrane material within the capsule, even under periods of high pressure.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel therapy for effecting acute treatment of migraine headache. The therapy involves intravenous administration of valproate and is equal to and in some respects superior to previously-known therapies for abortive treatment of prolonged moderate to severe acute migraine headache.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for coating an implant device. The implant device is coated with a protein film, such as fibrinogen. A first bisphosphonate substance, such as pamidronate, is immobilized to the protein film. A second bisphosphonate substance, such ibandronate, is adsorbed to the first bisphosphonate wherein the first bisphosphonate is different from the second bisphosphonate.

Abstract: An improved demineralized bone matrix (DBM) or other matrix composition is provided that has been mixed with a stabilizing agent that acts as (1) a diffusion barrier, (2) a enzyme inhibitor, (3) a competitive substrate, or (4) a masking moiety. A diffusion barrier acts as a barrier so as to protect the osteoinductive factors found in DBM from being degraded by proteolytic and glycolytic enzymes at the implantation site. Stabilizing agents may be any biodegradable material such as starches, modified starches, cellulose, dextran, polymers, proteins, and collagen. As the stabilizing agents degrades or dissolves in vivo, the osteoinductive factors such as TGF-?, BMP, and IGF are activated or exposed, and the activated factors work to recruit cells from the preivascular space to the site of injury and to cause differentiation into bone-forming cells. The invention also provides methods of preparing, testing, and using the inventive improved osteodinductive matrix compositions.

Abstract: A substantially dry personal care cleansing article is provided which includes a water-insoluble substrate and associated with the substrate a personal care cleansing composition. The latter includes at least one lathering surfactant and at least about 2% of a cationic polymer. The composition has an average particle size ranging from about 75 to about 900 micron. The cationic polymer improves the rapidity and duration of foam formation when the article is wetted with water to activate the surfactant.

Abstract: A multi-component pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a plurality of drug substance-containing sub-units, being capsule compartments and/or solid sub-units comprising a solid matrix of a polymer which contains a drug substance, the sub-units being connected together in the assembled dosage form by a weld between parts of the assembled dosage form.

Abstract: Bioerodible poly(ortho esters) useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents from dioxane-based di(ketene acetals). Block copolymers contain these bioerodible poly(ortho esters). These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical agent delivery composition comprising: (i) a transport polymer comprising a linear or branched peptide having from about 10 to about 300 amino acid residues, having from about 5 to 100% histidine residues, and optionally having from 0 to about 95% non-histidine amino acid residues; (ii) at least one pharmaceutical agent; and optionally (iii) one or more intracellular delivery components in association with the transport polymer. The invention also provides methods for using such composition to deliver the pharmaceutical agent to the interior of cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled-release pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration comprising 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; characterized in that the formulation is adapted to release at least 50% by weight of the 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, after 6 hours in Apparatus 1 described in the United States Pharmacopoeia 24 (2000), pp 1941–1943, having 1 litre vessels, baskets of 40 mesh (0.4 mm apertures), a rotation speed of 100 rpm, and a dissolution medium consisting of 900 ml of 0.01 M hydrochloric acid containing 0.7% w/v sodium chloride at 37° C. Formulations according to the invention are suitable for the treatment of BPH.

Abstract: The present application is directed to biodegradable polymers, compositions, including microspheres and nanospheres, formed of such polymers, and methods of using such polymers and compositions. In certain embodiments, the subject polymer compositions include therapeutic agents, optionally providing sustained release of the encapsulated agent after administration to a patient.